AAA reports gas prices in Illinois escalated quickly in the month of February

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A recent report from AAA shows that regular unleaded gas in Illinois went up 7 cents in the past month. That's 27 cents higher than last year.

Updated at 8:29 AM CDT on Thursday, Mar 1, 2012

Gas prices in Illinois proved to be the highest ever for this time of year.

A recent report from AAA shows that regular unleaded gas in Illinois went up 7 cents in the past month. That's 27 cents higher than last year.

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The average cost per gallon in Illinois is $3.57 for the month of February, according to AAA.

“February’s gas prices were extremely volatile, with a period of decreasing prices and days when the Chicago region’s averages were lower than the national average, which has never happened before,” said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago.

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AAA reports that in Cook County alone, the cost of regular gas in Chicago is at about $3.71, which is 25 cents higher than last year.

In Chicago, the average cost of regular gas is currently $3.94, according to AAA.